Author: Brianna Jones
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly named the Food Stamp Program, is a federal nutrition program specifically made to help low-income families and households keep healthy lifestyles despite their financial status.
SNAP benefits also include monthly funds on a debit-like EBT card to buy healthy food, free nutrition education classes and resources, and connections to other kinds of help.
These include utility discounts and free school meals.
SNAP is a helpful assistance program that alleviates some worries for many qualified people. So it is no wonder many are interested in enrolling in the program. If you are also interested and wondering how to get swift approval, you must know that the best hack or tip is being qualified.
Only qualified individuals and households get to enjoy SNAP benefits, after all.
You need to determine your eligibility as it is a sure way to have swift approval and be a qualified SNAP beneficiary.
Determining Eligibility
According to federal rules, a household’s income and resources must meet three criteria to be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
Here are the tests to pass:
- Gross monthly income
The total household income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. For instance, the poverty line used to calculate SNAP benefits in 2023 is $1,920 a month—this is for a family of three. With that said, 130 percent of the poverty line for a family of three is about $29,940 a year or $2,495 a month.
Net income
This is the income after deductions are applied to household income. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, this income must still be at or below the poverty line.
Assets
Assets must also fall below certain limits, which is within the poverty line. For instance, households without a member who is 60 or older must have assets of $2,750 or less. Meanwhile, households with a disabled member or an adult of 60 years of age must have assets of $4,250 or less.
How to apply
Here are the steps to follow when applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
Step 1: Submit an application.
Step 2: Send in verification information to swiftly process your SNAP application. If the needed documents are already submitted, the decision if you are qualified will be made faster. As long as no additional information is needed, you can expect swift approval.
Step 3: Check for text and email updates regarding your application and case status.
How to Access SNAP Benefits
Once you become a SNAP beneficiary, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use pretty much like a debit card. There are funds in the EBT card that you can use to buy healthy food from authorized retailers, such as Walmart, Costco, and Target. Most applicants typically receive their EBT cards within 3-5 days of their application.
Strictly, SNAP only allows its beneficiaries to buy healthy food since the sole purpose of the program is to promote a healthy lifestyle. The food items you are allowed to purchase include bread, fruits, vegetables, red meat, and poultry.
Takeaway
When applying for SNAP, you must apply in the state you live in. That is because each state has its requirements. Also, it is a must-know information that the SNAP income and resource limits are updated annually. With that said, the real hack when sending an application hoping for swift approval is being informed and ready.